Richmond is tipped to land Port Adelaide free agent Zak Butters ahead of Geelong, the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood.
Butters is expected to depart South Australia at season's end, but is looking to assist the Power by not walking to the draft, ultimately forcing a trade.
The Tigers have both the bounty and draft capital to facilitate a move for the star midfielder while satisfying Port Adelaide.
"I think Richmond will win (the race for Zak Butters)... It's an unbelieveable amount of money."
🗣️ Hutchy's tip for the future of Zak Butters https://t.co/QeheC0cK4v pic.twitter.com/DxbyhxVjyN
— 7AFL (@7AFL) July 27, 2026
Richmond currently holds Pick 1 in this year's draft, as well as 19, 37 and 55, while the use of future selections will be needed to lure Butters.
The Cats and Bulldogs do not possess as strong a hand as the Punt Road club and will not be able to offer the same amount of money, but are both much closer to a premiership than the rebuilding Tigers.
Outsiders Collingwood are still believed to be in the hunt.
All clubs have 2026 first and second-round selections, but will no doubt need to tip in future picks to get a deal done, or use current players to help facilitate a trade.
Any array of picks Port Adelaide receive will assist the Alberton club in successfully acquiring father-son gun Dougie Cochrane, who is tipped to go in the first few selections of the 2026 draft.
Cochrane is set to make his return from injury this weekend for Port Adelaide's SANFL side.
The South Australian has been sidelined with a knee injury all season, but the expectation all season has been that Port Adelaide will need to match a bid in the top two of the draft.
It will be the first time he represents the club, which is all but certain to match a bid for him.
It will give him the chance to play four home and away matches. Port Adelaide is currently at the foot of the SANFL table and will not qualify for finals.
